Celebrity Travel: Go away with Jaicy Elliot

Jae-Ha Kim, Tribune Content Agency on Dec 6, 2022

A: Recently I have traveled to Canada and Louisiana for work, but I haven’t gotten the chance to go back yet. New Orleans is definitely on my list. In a way, you could say that I came to Los Angeles for work but never left. There are so many things I love and hate about Los Angeles. It has a very specific subculture of its own that everyone taps into, yet a lot of people are not actually from here. It really feels like L.A. is what you make of it. I love all the different cultures you can find here. It’s a beautiful melting pot. It can be sunny or overwhelmingly blue-sky-monotone. It can be a party or hard-core hustling. It can be lonely or full of community. I have been fortunate enough to work here for the most part.

Q: What untapped destination should people know about?

A: I think people don’t know enough about Portugal. It’s beautiful! The food is so fresh, it’s cheap and the people are so welcoming and fun. They like to party! My sister just sent me a travel video about Sintra, which is near Lisbon, and I think it may be one of the most magical destinations I’ve ever heard of. I hope I get the chance to check it out.

Q: What was the first trip you took as a child?

A: We traveled a lot when I was a kid. I cannot say for sure what my first destination was, but one of my favorites was Ireland. We have family friends that come from Ireland and they own the most incredible manor there. We have been many times for Christmas and those remain, to this day, my fondest childhood memories.

Q: What's the most important thing you've learned from your travels?

A: I say to everyone and anyone who will listen that when you get out in the world, meet new people and hear their interesting stories, you realize that most people are good and just trying to do their best. Being open to the world will teach you about yourself and what it means to be human and connected.

Q: Where have you gone recently that you enjoyed?

A: Last summer, I went to Toronto for the first time and it quickly became one of my top-ranking cities. Life is so easily lived there. It’s a walkable, social city and the people are unbelievably nice. Everyone is so kind and open.

Q: When you go away, what are some of your must-have items?

A: I always bring a portable charger, ChapStick, sanitizer and nuts. You never know when you’re going to be in dire need of a snack. The idea is to be prepared for anything. I like to be able to keep going and explore as much as I can without needing to backtrack home.

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(Jae-Ha Kim is a New York Times bestselling author and travel writer. You can respond to this column by visiting her website at www.jaehakim.com. You may also follow “Go Away With…” on Twitter at @GoAwayWithJae where Jae-Ha Kim welcomes your questions and comments.)